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Monday, October 19, 2009

If you've ever worked with anyone who is chronically defensive, then you know how hard it can be to talk to them about practically anything -- because they argue, they don't hear what you're saying, and sometimes even lash out at you or others. As a result, most people end up avoiding them entirely, since interactions can be so unpleasant. That means problems go unaddressed, and the people around them feel like they can't get their voices heard.

But there's a secret to defusing someone's defensiveness and having a less difficult and less emotionally charged conversation. Over at U.S. News & World Report today, I give advice on how to handle defensive coworkers -- and it really works.

Please check it out and leave your own thoughts in the comments over there.